Storytimes
Outdoor Storytimes
If you love stories, songs, and rhymes, join the Grand Rapids Public Library for outdoor storytime. This fun event for kids ages 0-5 is the perfect way to get some wiggles out. Each child will take home a free Storytime Kit at the end of the program (while supplies last).
Monday, September 12
11:00 am | Roosevelt Park – 739 Van Raalte Dr SW, Grand Rapids 49503
Monday, September 19
11:00 am | Briggs Park – 324 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids 49505
Storytime in the Park with Storytime GR
Join us on Tuesday nights at the park for stories, free books and ice cream, special guests, and a whole lot of family fun!
StorytimeGR is a partnership of the Grand Rapids Public Library, Read GR, Grand Valley State University, the Grand Rapids Office of Special Events, and Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation.
Check back soon for upcoming events!
Family Storytime on the Lawn
Join us for this outdoor storytime held on the lawn of your favorite GRPL branch! Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers will love this half-hour event that features stories, songs, rhymes, and playing on the lawn. In case of inclement weather, this event series will be moved indoors.
Check back soon for upcoming events!
Family Storytimes
Parents and caregivers are invited to bring their children ages 0 to 5 years to this storytime featuring great books, songs, fingerplays, and hands-on fun. Classes end with an art activity and playtime designed to help your child’s brain grow.
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14
10:30 am | Main Library – 111 Library St NE
October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16
10:30 am | Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE
October 5, 12, 19, 26, November 2, 9, 16
10:30 am | Van Belkum Branch – 1563 Plainfield NE
Please note: This storytime takes place before normal open hours.
October 7, 14, 21, 28, November 4, 11, 18
10:30 am | Ottawa Hills Branch – 1150 Giddings SE
Pajama Time
Get cozy in your pajamas, grab your favorite stuffed animals or blanket, and come to the library for a special bedtime event! Listen to stories, sing songs, and get those wiggles out before bed. Great for working parents of children age 5 and under!
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14
6:30 pm | West Leonard Branch – 1017 Leonard NW
Toddler Time
Bring your toddlers, ages 18 months to 3 years, to share fun stories, songs, and rhymes and learn together! Toddler Time is a 25-minute long storytime followed by a hands-on activity and playtime designed to help your child’s brain grow.
October 6, 13, 20, 27, November 3, 10, 17
10:30 am | Yankee Clipper Branch – 2025 Leonard NE
October 4, 11, 18, 25, November 1, 8, 15
10:30 am | West Side Branch – 713 Bridge St NW
Ready, Set, Play!
Free play helps build social skills, communication, creativity, and more importantly, confidence! If you have an elementary or middle schooler who wants to de-stress and have fun with games and activities at the library, this drop-in program is for you!
October 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5, 12, 19
11:00 am – 4:00 pm | Madison Square Branch – 1201 Madison Ave SE
October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, November 7, 14, 21
3:00 – 5:00 pm | West Leonard Branch – 1017 Leonard NW
Storytimes After Dark
Join us for special Storytimes After Dark! Put on your costumes, bring your friends and family, and join us at the library to hear ghostly stories. We’ll have Halloween crafts and tasty treats available while supplies last.
Tuesday, October 25, 2022
6:30 – 8:00 pm | Ottawa Hills Branch – 1150 Giddings SE
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
6:30 – 8:00 pm | Madison Square Branch – 1201 Madison Ave SE
Thursday, October 27, 2022
6:30 – 8:00 pm | Seymour Branch – 2350 Eastern SE
Adult Storytimes
Why should kids have all the storytime fun? Adults enjoy stories, too! Join us at the Golden Age at the Creston Brewery to sit back and relax as library staff and special guests read short stories aloud.
A cash bar and appetizers (available first come, first served) will be available to attendees.
September 12, October 10, November 14, December 12, 6:30 – 7:30 pm
Golden Age at Creston Brewery – 1504 Plainfield Ave NE
Vamos a Leer!
This storytime, in collaboration with Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL), Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities (GAAH), Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), LINC UP, and MSU Extension celebrates the power of being bilingual and hispanic heritage. The stories we share will be read in both Spanish and English.
Vamos a Leer! en Español
Esta hora de cuentacuentos, en colaboración con la Biblioteca Pública de Grand Rapids (GRPL), Grandville Avenue Arts & Humanities (GAAH) [Artes y Humanidades de la Avenida Grandville], Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), LINC UP, and MSU Extension [Extensión de la Universidad del Estado de Michigan], celebra el poder de ser bilingüe y la Herencia Hispana. Se leerán los cuentos que compartiremos en español e inglés.
Spanish Storytimes with the Cook Library Center
These Spanish storytimes feature books read by members of the community. Let your imagination soar and have some fun en español.
Hora de cuentos en español con el Centro de la Biblioteca Cook
Estas horas de cuentos ofrecerán libros e historias de cordones leídos por miembros de la comunidad. Deja volar tu imaginación y diviértete en español.
Phone-a-Story
Call the library’s Phone-A-Story line each week to hear a new story read aloud by a GRPL Youth Librarian. Listen to pre-recorded stories, songs, and rhymes in English or Spanish. This service is accessible 24/7. Dial 616-988-5494 and follow the directions when prompted.
Phone-a-Story en Español
Llame a la línea de “Un Cuento Por Teléfono” de la biblioteca cada semana para escuchar una nueva historia leída en voz alta por un bibliotecario juvenil de GRPL. Escuche historias, canciones y rimas pregrabadas en inglés o español. Este servicio es accesible 24/7. Marque 616-988-5494 y siga las instrucciones cuando se le solicite.
